Leckie: It was just one of those games

Returning Socceroos striker Mathew Leckie is confident that on another day, his side did enough to snatch all three points from Saudi Arabia in Sydney on Thursday night. 

Leading the line for the first time in Round 3 of Australia's FIFA World Cup Qualification campaign, the Melbourne City forward was involved in many of the chances created during the 0-0 stalemate at Western Sydney Stadium. 

While the away nation created a handful of chances late on, the hosts applied significant amounts of pressure throughout the 90 - unfortunately, to no avail. 

"Obviously, we wanted the three points playing at home as it's been so long. We wanted it for the fans and to put us in a good position to get closer to Saudi Arabia," Leckie told Channel 10 post-game. 

"We had a great performance today and there were just centimetres that stopped us from scoring a couple of goals.

"There were a few crosses where it's just inches away from someone getting onto it and they obviously defended really well, too. That double opportunity after the free-kick the keeper pulled off a great save. 

It's just one of those games where the ball didn't want to go in, but I think it was still a positive performance." 

Irrespective of the outcome, Leckie and his teammates treasured the occassion. 

With over two years between home matches, the reception received from over 23,000 fans in Sydney was one worth waiting for. 

"It was amazing," reflected Leckie. "It's been so long and it's our first time playing in the stadium."

"It's a great stadium and the pitch was perfect tonight. It's just unfortunate we couldn't get the three points to celebrate with the fans. But they were loud and cheering us on all game - we definitely heard it and appreciate it"

Australia sit second in Group B of Asian Qualifying at the halfway point, three points shy of Saudi Arabia in first and one ahead of Japan in third. 

Another vital three points are on the line on Wednesday morning (AEDT), as Graham Arnold's side travel to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, to face China.